OWN (UP) Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

own (up)

verb

Definition of own (up)

as in to confess

to make an acknowledgment of something unpleasant as true or valid had a strong suspicion about which coworker stole her food from the office fridge, but the likely culprit refused to own up

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for own (up)

Verb

McVay finally confessed to that after beating the New York Giants in a game his team showed much more energy and better execution.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Deputy Attorney General Ellen Meilaender said Allen confessed multiple times to the killings, and witnesses identified Allen based on his clothing that day.

— Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of confess

Verb

Even with an online fundraiser, Wren admitted that things have been tough financially.

— Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Anti-mafia prosecutor Alessandra Cerreti, who has persuaded dozens of women to testify against crime families across all Italy’s crime syndicates, admits the risks are high.

— Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of admit

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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“Own (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/own%20%28up%29. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of own (up)

verb

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